Men's Health

Overview

Prostate health

Speak to a GP if you have:

• difficulty starting or stopping urine
• needing to pee often, especially at night
• weak flow
• blood in urine or semen
• pelvic, back or bone pain
• erectile problems with other symptoms

A PSA test is a blood test that can help check for prostate problems, including cancer or enlarged prostate. It is not a perfect screening test, so ask your GP to explain benefits, risks and next steps.

Testicular health

Check testicles regularly. Get medical advice for:

• lump or swelling
• pain or heaviness
• change in size or shape
• sudden severe testicular pain
• injury with ongoing pain

Sudden severe testicular pain can be an emergency.

Men’s mental health

Men may experience anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, addiction, anger, isolation, self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Ask for help through:

• GP
• NHS Talking Therapies
• NHS 111 mental health option
• crisis team
• A&E/999 if immediate danger

If someone may harm themselves or cannot stay safe, call 999.

Fertility

Male fertility concerns may involve sperm count, sperm movement, hormones, infection, varicocele, medication, cancer treatment, lifestyle factors or erectile/ejaculation problems. NHS infertility guidance explains that fertility problems can affect either partner and may need tests and specialist referral.

Ask your GP about semen analysis, medication review, lifestyle support and referral options.

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is common, especially in men over 40. It can be linked to stress, anxiety, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, hormones, alcohol, medicines or relationship issues. NHS guidance says sexual health clinics can also help and may offer walk-in services.

Seek medical advice because ED can sometimes be an early sign of heart or circulation problems.

Heart health

Men should take heart symptoms seriously. Call 999 for chest pain, breathlessness, collapse, pain spreading to the arm/jaw/back, or suspected heart attack.

Ask your GP or pharmacy about:

• blood pressure checks
• cholesterol checks
• diabetes checks
• weight support
• smoking support
• alcohol advice
• exercise advice
• medication review

Cancer screening

NHS screening for men may include:

• Bowel cancer screening: people aged 50 to 74 are offered a home test kit every 2 years; people 75+ can request a kit. 
• AAA screening: men in England are invited in the year they turn 65. 

There is currently no routine NHS prostate cancer screening programme for all men; PSA testing can be discussed with a GP.

Legal rights

You have rights to:

• dignity and respect
• clear information
• informed consent
• confidentiality
• access to records
• involvement in decisions
• reasonable adjustments
• making a complaint

The NHS Constitution and Equality Act 2010 are key protections.

Accessible support

Ask NHS services for:

• interpreter
• BSL support
• Easy Read
• large print, Braille or audio
• longer appointment
• quiet waiting area
• wheelchair access
• carer/supporter involvement
• reasonable adjustments for autism, ADHD, learning disability, anxiety or sensory needs

Evidence and accountability

Keep:

• symptom diary
• photos if relevant
• urine, pain or sexual health symptom notes
• appointment letters
• test results
• PSA results
• medication list
• referral dates
• impact on work, relationships or daily life

Ask for:

• diagnosis or working diagnosis
• test result explanation
• treatment options
• referral confirmation
• safety-netting advice
• follow-up date

If care is delayed or unsafe, contact the GP practice manager, hospital PALS, NHS complaints team, or the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

Official links

• NHS 111: https://111.nhs.uk/
• NHS prostate cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/
• NHS PSA test: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/psa-test/
• NHS erectile dysfunction: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/
• NHS infertility: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infertility/
• NHS screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/nhs-screening/
• NHS AAA screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening/
• NHS complaints: https://www.nhs.uk/contact-us/how-to-complain-to-the-nhs/
• NHS Constitution: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england

Best rule: do not ignore symptoms, ask early, keep records, request tests or referrals when appropriate, and escalate if symptoms worsen or care is delayed.